Levaillant's Woodpecker

Overview

Levaillant's woodpecker (Picus vaillantii), also known as Levaillant's green woodpecker, is a large member of the woodpecker family Picidae found in northwest Africa. It is sometimes considered a subspecies of the European green woodpecker, though it is currently treated as a monotypic species.

Identification

• Length of 30–33 cm with a 45–51 cm wingspan, appearing very similar to the European green woodpecker.
• Dark green plumage above and yellowish green below, featuring a crimson nape and chrome yellow rump.
• A black moustache with a pale border above and slate grey bill and feet.
• Male individuals possess a crimson crown, while females have a grey crown; both sexes lack black on the lores and around the eye.
• Produces a loud ringing laugh, described as 'plue, plue, plue', which is similar to the European green woodpecker's yaffle but potentially faster.

Habitat

Found in the Atlas Mountains across the Maghreb countries of Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia, this species resides in mountain forests up to the treeline at approximately 2000 metres.

Diet

This woodpecker primarily feeds on insects, mainly ants, which are captured using a rapid outward flick of its long tongue and adhered by sticky saliva.

Did you know?

Despite being a large and heavy bird, Levaillant's woodpecker exhibits an easy, bounding flight.